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Scandinavian Modern Stools

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.

ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN 

CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
  • Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
  • Open, airy spaces
  • Promotion of functionality
  • Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
  • Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
  • A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.

Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.

Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.

The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak

Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.

Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.

On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Midcentury Stool with Fabric, Made in Denmark 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with wool fabric. Designed and made in Denmark. Great condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Counter Stool 'Lavitta' 65 by Poiat, Dark Oak
Located in Paris, FR
Counter stool Lavitta 65 by Poiat Designers: Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Lavitta 2020 Model shown: Dark oak Dimensions: H. 65 x 50 x 44 cm The latest member of the L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Antti Nurmesniemi 'Sauna' Stools Produced in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 4 ‘Sauna’ stools designed by Antti Nurmesniemi. Produced in Finland.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

1950s Round Danish Stool by Hugo Frandsen
Located in Dallas, TX
A Danish stool by Hugo Frandsen made from rosewood and reupholstered by The Selby House in a Nobilis Wood Boucle. The frame has also been restored and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Bouclé, Rosewood

Pair of Stools by Børge Mogensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of two BM 2202 - Stools in patinated red leather with oak legs. Børge Mogensen / Fredericia Furniture.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Stool Solid in Pine Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated solid pine. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers. Great original...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Vintage Midcentury Alvar Aalto stool, model "Y61", Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely stool by Alvar Aalto, model “Y 61”. Made from birch with flowing lines, wreathed rattan seat.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Birch

Solid Pine Cabin Stool Handmade at Vemdalia, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A charming Swedish "Sportstuga" pine stool with rectangular top with scalloped sides raised on tapered legs. This stool is a modern take on the traditional Swedish cabin...
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak and Brass Bench Stool, Denmark 1960
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-Century Teak bench stool Denmark 1960 solid and stable metal base. brass details.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Brass

Scandinavian Modern 64 Plinth Stool Side Table in Oiled Oak and Corten Steel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Styled as a side table, a pedestal, or a seat, the possibilities are endless. One thing is for certain: The plinth will elevate your space as much as it does any object you place on ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Stool Model "Palle" Produced by K. J. Pettersson & Söner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool ‘Palle’ by unknown designer. Produced by K. J. Pettersson & Söner in Sweden.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stools, Pine, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine stools designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Öresund Modern Stool by Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner
Located in Brescia, IT
Original vintage Scandinavian bench/pouf designed by Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner in the 1960s. A Nordic design piece with e...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian Bar Stool 'Lavitta' 75 by Poiat, Dark Oak
Located in Paris, FR
Counter stool Lavitta 75 by Poiat Designers: Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Lavitta 2020 Model shown: Dark oak Dimensions: H. 75 x 50 x 44 cm The latest member of the L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Oxbend Stool, Bar, or Counter Seat in Walnut
Located in Bend, OR
This bar stool, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair. The Oxbend collection was born from a desire to create seating that is comfortable, organic, and elegant in its simplicity. This Oxbend stool...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

Bridge Stool
Located in VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-SAÔNE, FR
The Concrete Bridge stool designed by Henri Lavallard Boget for Lyon Béton, has a bold sculptural shape which heightens the industrial aesthetic. Elegant and practical, the concrete ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Concrete

Scandinavian Bar Stool 'Lavitta' 75 by Poiat, Black Oak
Located in Paris, FR
Counter stool Lavitta 65 by Poiat Designers: Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Lavitta 2020 Model shown: Black oak Dimensions: H. 75 x 50 x 44 cm The latest member of the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Pair of Slim Danish Stools by Erik Buch, Denmark, 1950s
Located in St-Brais, JU
Pair of mid-century stools by Danish Designer Erik Buch. Made in Denmark during the 1950s by O.D. Mobler / Domus Dancia. This is a very rare design classic which maintains the manufa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Contemporary Counter Stool 'Lavitta' 65 by Poiat, Black Oak
Located in Paris, FR
Counter stool Lavitta 65 by Poiat Designers: Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Lavitta 2020 Model shown: Black oak Dimensions: H. 65 x 50 x 44 cm The latest member of the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

18" 3 Legged Stool in Locust
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Fuugs Yarrow 3 legged stool is designed for easy use and comfort. The hand sculpted seat provides a comfortable place to rest at a counter or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Hardwood

Bertel Gardberg Stool Model Sauna in Solid Pine, Finland, 1950s
Located in Praha 2, Hlavní město Praha
Rare solid pine stool model Sauna designed by Bertel Gardberg and produced by Normark Finnmade for Villa Jouhki in Finland, 1950s. The stool features three legs attached to a round ...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian Bar Stool 'Lavitta' 75 by Poiat, Oak
Located in Paris, FR
Counter stool Lavitta 75 by Poiat Model shown: Lavitta 75 - Oak The latest member of the Lavitta Collection, the Lavitta Counter Stool continues focusing on the sophisticated u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Dark-Stained Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Alvar Aalto Stool X600 for Artek, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Even though simple, this stool comes with great quality and attention to details. The less common X-leg with the leather padding bring plain beauty. The original blue leather makes t...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Poul Kjaerholm, Stool, Steel, Leather, E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1961
Located in High Point, NC
A chrome-plated steel and leather foldable stool designed by Poul Kjærholm and produced by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1961. Makers mark impressed to frame.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Authentic Frama Aml Stool in Pine Color by Frama
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This distinguished stool is fit for many functions. Use it as a stool, a small bedside table, or a platform to showcase a fresh bouquet. Make it the center of conversation in your living room or a delightful, curated accent piece wherever you desire. This piece’s humble strength draws inspiration from vintage works...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Fan Leg Side Table, Model X601, in Birch and Leather by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Located in Dorchester, MA
eatures a distinctive five-section fan of bent birchwood, whose joins cascade down the legs, and the original leather-wrapped top with a beautiful patina. The piece can serve as a si...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Edge on Wheels Stool
Located in VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-SAÔNE, FR
The Concrete Soft Edge Stool designed by Lyon Béton, is a unique furnishing piece unlike many modern stools, artful and practical. Made of concrete with rounded edges and a braided rope made from natural materials. The base of the stool is raised slightly from the ground thanks to four swivel castors which allow the concrete stool to be moved easily. Elevate your home with a modern furnishing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Concrete

Set of Four High Stools in Solid Pine, Made in Finland 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four great looking high stools in solid pine. Perfect for a bar or in the kitchen. Made in Findland in the 1960s. Great condition.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Set of Four Adjustable Stools by Jørgen Rasmussen for Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, architectural, set of four adjustable swivel stools by Jorgen Rasmussen for Fritz Hansen. Constructed of blue finish bent plywood, on chrome and aluminum bases, wit...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Footstool, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
The footrest, produced in the 1960s, was imported from Denmark. The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation, the seat has been covered with a new fabric...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cotton, Walnut

Ingvar Hildingsson Milking Stool 1970's, signed
Located in Uccle, BE
Simple Brutalist pine wood stool by Ingvar Hildingsson. This stool is also called Milking Stool as Hildingsson sought inspiration in traditional rural Nordic culture for his iconic d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Pine

Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Rare Stool in Oak and Leather for Luxus, Sweden 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare black leather and oak stools by Uno & Östen Kristiansson for Luxus, executed in Sweden in the 1960s. Sculptural base and padded seats, original leather, nice patina to the oak...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Scandinavian Minimalistic Four-Legged Pine Stools, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scandinavian; Minimalistic; pine; wood; four-legged; stools; 1950s; Craftsmanship; Woodworking; Charlotte Perriand; Scandinavian Modern; Scandinavian minimalistic four-legged pin...
Category

1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Montrose Stool, Black on Red Milkpaint, Exposed Joinery with a Hand Carved Seat
Located in Southampton, MA
The Montrose Stool, a sharp, bold, angular form. Made from solid hardwoods with a carved seat for comfort. Constructed with lots of exposed joinery and interesting details. The top o...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Poplar

Kai Kristiansen Pair of Rosewood Ottomans by Aksel Kjersgaard, 1950s
Located in London, GB
Pair of Kai Kristiansen rosewood ottomans produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark, circa 1950s. The seats has been reupholstered in off-white, pure wool fabric from Chase Erwin.   
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Montrose Stool in Walnut, Exposed Joinery with a Hand Carved Seat
Located in Southampton, MA
The Montrose Stool, a sharp, bold, angular form. Made from solid hardwoods with a carved seat for comfort. Constructed with lots of exposed joinery and interesting details. The top o...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

Set of 2 Counter Stool, Betty Tk8, Black W.Black Webbing by T & K for &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Named after the Betty Nansen theatre in Copenhagen, this stool’s sturdy frame is crafted from lacquered oak. The webbed seat – whose straps are made from natural linen fibers and woven by hand – offers a soft, cushioned base. Betty TK...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Linen, Wood

Olof Ottelin, Finland, Pine Stool, Circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A Finnish pine Modernist stool, Circa 1970s, by Olof Ottelin, the top with four rectangular blocks joined by extended dowels raised on straight legs.
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Montrose Stool in Ash, Exposed Joinery with a Hand Carved Seat
Located in Southampton, MA
The Montrose Stool, a sharp, bold, angular form. Made from solid hardwoods with a carved seat for comfort. Constructed with lots of exposed joinery and interesting details. The top o...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Ash

Midcentury Stool Model Pragh Designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with sheepskin. Designed by Danish architects Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell. Great condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin

Hans Wegner AP-30 Teak Piano Stool c1950s
Located in London, GB
Hans J. Wegner AP-30 Piano Stool, 1957 Produced by A.P. Stolen in Denmark, this model is based on the AP-29 Papa Bear ottoman. The rarely seen piano stool has an additional cro...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Pine Stool by Ingvar Hildingsson
Located in Berlin, BE
Handmade pine stool from Sweden.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

John Mortensen Swivel Bar Stool "Fountain" For Dyrlund
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful cone shaped bar stools. Aluminum base with hardwood and leater seat. Designed by John Mortensen for Dyrlund in the 1970s. Up to four avai...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Stool with Sheepskin, Made in Denmark, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with sheepskin. Designed and made in Denmark. Great condition.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin, Elm

Pair of Olof Ottelin Apila "Clover" Stools
Located in Helsinki, FI
These stools represent four-leaf clovers, which are known as a sign of good luck. The quality of the materials and the craftmanship is outstanding. The stools are sturdy and in great...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Grace Axel Larsson Seagrass and Beech Stool for SMF, 1930's
Located in Uccle, BE
A stool by Axel Larsson for Svenska Möbelfabriken (SMF) Bodafors, designed circa 1929. The stool is made of stained beech with seagrass. Gently restored.  
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Seagrass, Beech

Alvar Aalto Stool X600 for Artek, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Even though simple, this stool comes with great quality and attention to details. The less common X-leg with the leather padding bring plain beauty. This stool is in good condition w...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Swivel Stool with Patinated Leather, 1940s
Located in Lejre, DK
Swivel chair with adjustable height in patinated leather and stained beech. Designed and made in Denmark 1940s
Category

1940s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Beech

Arne Vodder bar stools model 64 Sibast Denmark 1960
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning set of 3 'model 64' stools designed by Arne Vodder and manufactured by Sibast Mobler, Denmark 1960. This rare set of stools has a nice shaped frame made of solid teak wood. ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Lisa Johansson-Pape Stools Model Apila Produced by Stockmann Oy
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of stools model Apila designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape. Produced by Stockmann Oy in Finland.
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage stools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern stools made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original stools, popular names associated with this style include Alvar Aalto, Artek, Ingvar Hildingsson, and Fritz Hansen. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for stools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $88 and tops out at $52,616 while the average work can sell for $1,856.

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